Howard J. Stewart, 84, of Laurinburg, formerly of Pinehurst, died Friday, Sept. 1, 2006, at Century Care of Laurinburg.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Pinehurst, with burial in Pinelawn Memorial Park in Southern Pines.

Mr. Stewart was born Aug. 28, 1922, in Somerville, Mass., to the late Thomas P. and Fannie Leathen Stewart. He was a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church Parish in Laurinburg, a life member of the Knights of Columbus and past commander of the Honor Guard. He was also a life member of the Southern Pines Elks Lodge No. 1692 and a volunteer fireman with the Pinehurst Fire Department for more than 20 years.

Mr. Stewart is survived by his wife of 58 years, Violet Ceria (Vi) Stewart; his son, Jeffrey C. Stewart, and his wife, Nancy, of Laurinburg; his sister, Christina Harvey of Concord, Mass.; two grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Scotland County, P.O. Box 1033, Laurinburg, NC 28353 or St. Mary Catholic Church, P.O. Box 1148, Laurinburg, NC 28353.

Boles Funeral in Pinehurst is handling the arrangements.